Family-owned since 1972, the Sea Shore Motel has a friendly, laid-back vibe. The lobby has terra-cotta floors, wicker furniture with floral padding, and a large, colorful map of Santa Monica behind the front desk. Hallways are open-air, and there's a nice sundeck with peach colored furniture on the roof. The on-site cafe, Amelia’s, has wooden tables, white tile with low ceilings and black walls, and it's a favorite of locals. Guests will likely find the Sea Shore's pink-and-green exterior a quaint throwback, or dated, and the same can be said of the mismatched lobby. 

The Sea Shore is in a hip, upbeat neighborhood in the heart of downtown Santa Monica with the beach, restaurants, coffee shops, and art galleries within a five-minute walk. A farmers' market and bus stop are across the street. Santa Monica Pier and Santa Monica Pier Aquarium are a five-minute drive from the motel, while Venice Beach is a 10-minute drive, and UCLA, a 15-minute drive. Los Angeles International Airport is about a 20-minute drive from the property.

Standard Rooms have terra-cotta tile floors, blue and brown comforters, and rattan furniture with floral pillows. They all come with air-conditioning, mini-fridges, and irons, while coffeemakers, tea kettles, microwaves, and toasters are available upon request. Deluxe Suites come with full kitchens, including stoves with ovens, flat-screen TVs, and balconies with seating, while Junior Suites come with separate bedrooms. Some of the furniture shows wear and tear, and housekeeping does not clean daily. Street noise can be a problem in some rooms. Tiled bathrooms have updated countertops, hairdryers, and Calming Tides toiletries. Not all the bathrooms have tubs.

Amelia’s, the on-site cafe, is a popular local spot, and serves a variety of Italian sandwiches, desserts, breakfast sandwiches, and soups. The rooftop sundeck offers lounge seating. Parking is free, as is Wi-Fi throughout the property.